We all have had some experience hearing about ADHD- (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). It is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. It is a condition that causes problems with attention span, concentration, and how impulsive and active the person is. Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
In children, it can look like this:
- Fidgeting
- Having trouble sharing and taking turns
- Making careless mistakes or taking unnecessary risks
- Have difficulty getting along with others
- Have a hard time resisting temptation
Some of these traits are normal in children, but kids with ADHD do not outgrow them. The challenges for them continue and can lead to difficulty in school, home, and friends.
What causes ADHD?
Scientists are actively studying risk factors and causes for ADHD to understand how to manage it. Current research has shown that ADHD is most intricately connected to genetics; if a parent or close relative has ADHD, it can be a likely indicator. Research does not support that sugar, too much television, or social environment factors cause ADHD.
Resource: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
Diagnosis:
Working towards a diagnosis for a child who may have ADHD is a process with several steps. The first step is to have an assessment. An assessment includes information collected between parents, teachers, and sometimes the child. Once the child is assessed, a plan can quickly be created.
Treatment
ADHD is most often treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. For younger children, behavioral therapy, as well as training for parents, is recommended. As ADHD is unique to the individual and has an extensive range of aspects, developing a plan for the individual is the best approach.
If you have a young person in your life who may need an assessment to identify a diagnosis for ADHD, it is in everyone’s best interest to have an assessment done to best support them.
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